Lea Katalinić

Nonfatal cardiac perforation after central venous catheter insertion

Cardiac tamponade caused by perforation of the cardiac wall is a rare complication related to central venous catheter (CVC) placement. A 71-year-old female with a previous history of moderate aortic stenosis and kidney transplantation was admitted to hospital due to global heart failure and worsening of allograft function. Intensified hemodialysis was commenced through a CVC placed in the right subclavian vein. Chest radiography revealed catheter tip in the right atrium and no signs of pneumothorax. Thorough diagnostics outruled immediate life-threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. However, not previously seen, 2 cm thick pericardial effusion without repercussion on the blood flow was visualized during echocardiography, predominantly reclining the free surface of the right atrium, with fibrin scar tissue covering the epicardium – it was the spot of spontaneously recovered cardiac wall perforation. Follow-up echocardiogram performed before the discharge showed regression of the previously found pericardial effusion.

The Unexpected Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Lipid Metabolism in Hemodialysis Patients

Background/Aims: There is a growing body of evidence that the long-term hemodialysis (HD) treatment leads to disturbances of carnitine homeostasis but the results of L-carnitine supplementation in HD patients have been conflicting. In the present prospective study, we investigated the effectiveness of intravenous L-carnitine in mitigating dialysis-related protein-energy wasting (PEW) based on pre-treatment albumin levels. Methods: Fifty patients (46% male, mean age 63±18.28 years, HD vintage 37.5 (7-288) months) received 1 g L-carnitine intravenously at the end of every HD session for 12 months. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records and charts. Intradialytic hypotension periods (defined as a decrease of systolic blood pressure by ≥ 20 mmHg) were recorded. Dietary habits were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire prior to L-carnitine supplementation. Laboratory parameters were measured prior to the supplementation and controlled in 6-months intervals. Anthropometric measurements were performed prior to HD session, including „dry“ body weight and height, body mass index (BMI), and body composition analysis using bioimpedance spectroscopy. Malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) was used as a scoring system representing the severity of PEW and an indicator of general functional capacity. Results: A significant increase in total cholesterol, predominantly on the account of LDL was found (p=0.005). Simultaneously, HDL decreased (p=0.001) while triglyceride levels remained unchanged. Although the rise in serum prealbumin could be observed, lean tissue index (LTI) decreased and fat tissue index (FTI) increased which resulted in reduction of the LTI/FTI ratio (p=0.002). When divided into two groups according to the pre-treatment albumin values (< 35 g/L or ≥35 g/L), patients from the higher albumin group showed significant increase in prealbumin (p=0.005), and improved MIS (p=0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher FTI after introduction of L-carnitine led to greater hemodynamic stability (OR 1.709, 95% CI 1.006-2.905, p=0.048). As there was no differences in HD treatment characteristics, primery kidney disease or residual diuresis we could conclude that positive energy balance (with an increase in prealbumin and FTI) eventually led to better hemodynamic stability. Conclusion: Our results show significant effects of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid metabolism. Further clinical trials, as well as experimental research are needed to define the role of lipid metabolism in CKD population. Significant benefits of L-carnitine supplementation in patients with better initial serum albumin levels suggest that this therapy should not be restricted to patients with the worst nutritional and overall status.

HYPERTENSION IN PRIMARY GLOMERULONEPHRITIS - REPORT FROM THE CROATIAN REFERRAL CENTRE FOR GLOMERULAR DISEASES

Objective: Hypertension (HT) is an important prognostic factor for renal impairment and it accelerates progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and vice versa CKD increases blood pressure (BP) and HT prevalence. There are scarce data on prevalence and characteristics of HT in patients with primary glomerulonephritis (PGN) and our aim was to analyse data on HT in this heterogeneous group of patients with renal impairment. Design and method: In these analyses we included 708 subjects with PGN from the Croatian referral centre registry: 195 membranous glomerulopathy (MGN), 136 mesangioproliferative GN (MSGN), 167 IgAnephropathy (IgAN), 154 focal-segmental-glomerolosclerosis (FSGS) and 56 membranoproliferative GN (MPGN). Data were collected from medical records. Results: Prevalence of HT was 44.1%, 60.5%, 63.5%, 66.2% and 81.2% in MSGN, IgAN, MGN, FSGS and MPGN, respectively (p < 0.001). MSGN were the youngest, had less CKD > 3, and had the shortest duration of HT and kidney impairment before the kidney biopsy. MPGN had the highest prevalence of CKD > 3, and the longest duration of HT before the kidney biopsy. In all PGN HT were older, had more CKD > 3 and longer duration of HT before the kidney biopsy. There was no difference between HT and normotension (NT) in prevalence of obesity and duration of kidney impairment before the kidney biopsy. Significant difference in HT prevalence between patients with CKD < 3 and > 3 was observed in MGN, MSGN, IgAN, FSGS and MPGN (54.8% vs.72.2%; 38.6% vs.65.5%; 43% vs.82.2%; 54.7% vs.77.3%;66.6% vs.82.8%). We failed to find differences in HT prevalence among PGN when we analyzed only PGN with CKD > 3 (p > 0.05). However, in the subgroup with CKD < 3 HT prevalence was significantly lower in IgAN an MSGN compared to MGN, FSGS and MPGN (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Age, CKD > 3 and duration of HT before kidney biopsy are the most important determinants of HT in PGN at the time of kidney biopsy. In the subgroup of patients with CKD < 3 observed higher prevalence of HT in MGN, FSGS and MPGN vs. IgAN and MSGN could be explained with differences in pathology and pathophysiology.

Acute Peritonitis Caused by Propionibacterium Acnes in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient

Abstract Propionibacterium acnes is a gram-positive human skin commensal that is involved in the pathogenesis of acne and prefers anaerobic growth conditions. It has been considered as a low virulence pathogen in different clinical conditions. We present the case of acute peritonitis caused by Propionibacterium acnes in a peritoneal dialysis patient.

Renal Allograft Dysfunction Possibly Caused by Amiodarone Nephrotoxicity: a Case-Report

Abstract Amiodarone is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 and can increase serum concentrations of drugs that are substrates of this enzyme system. Immunosuppressive drugs are also metabolized through the cytochrome metabolic pathway what may lead to important drug-drug interactions. A 60-year-old female received her second allograft from the deceased donor and was treated with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. Amiodarone was introduced for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation four days after the transplantation. One month after the discharge she was readmitted to hospital for evaluation of the creeping creatinine. Biopsy showed borderline acute rejection. She received 3 boluses of 6- methilprednisolone but creatinine continued to rise. Repeated biopsy was without signs of rejection with mild interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, mild global glomerulosclerosis and moderate arterial sclerosis. However, tubular vacuolization was prominent. After careful revision of her therapy we decided to replace amiodarone with sotalol. One week later her creatinine fell from 350 to 220 μmol/l and remained stable. This case illustrates possible amiodarone nephrotoxicity in a renal transplant recipient. We suggest that patients who need amiodarone in combination with tacrolimus be closely monitored by both cardiologists and nephrologists, with frequent determinations of tacrolimus trough levels and serum creatinine measurements.

Expression of BMP-2 in Vascular Endothelial Cells of Recipient May Predict Delayed Graft Function After Renal Transplantation

Background/Aims: Delayed graft function (DGF) is associated with adverse outcomes after renal transplantation. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is involved in both endothelial function and immunological events. We compared expression of BMP-2 in epigastric artery of renal transplant recipients with immediate graft function (IGF) and DGF. Methods: 79 patients were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided in IGF group (64 patients) and DGF group (15 patients). BMP-2 expression in intima media (BMP2m) and endothelium (BMP2e) of epigastric artery was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Lower intensity of BMP2e staining was recorded in DGF compared to IGF. In DGF patients, 93% had no expression of BMP2e and 7% had 1st grade expression, compared to 45% and 41% in IGF group, respectively (P=0.001) (P<0.001 for no expression and P = 0.015 for 1st grade expression). Patients who had BMP2e staining positive had lower odds for DGF (OR 0.059 [0.007, 0.477]) and this remained significant even after adjustment for donor and recipient variables, cold ischemia time, and immunological matching (OR 0.038 [0.003, 0.492]). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that BMP-2 expression in endothelial cells of epigastric arteries may predict development of DGF.

Conversion from Twice-Daily to Once-Daily Tacrolimus Improves Graft Function but has no Influence on Proteinuria in Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract Introduction. Tacrolimus extended-release formulation enables once-daily use. Although an increasing number of patients have been converted from twice-daily (Tac- BID) to once-daily (Tac-QD) formulation, the available information regarding the initiation and follow-up of Tac- QD is sparse. In the present study we investigated influence of switch from Tac-BID or cyclosporine to Tac-QD on renal allograf function, proteinuria and protein-creatinine (P/C) ratio. Methods. Between October 2012 and October 2014, the switch from Tac-BID or cyclosporine to tacrolimus extended-release formulation was done in 129(38% female, mean age 49 years) renal transplant recipients at different time after transplantation. The analysis focused on markers of graft function (GFR, serum creatinine, proteinuria, P/C ratio), liver function (AST, ALT, γGT, alkaline phosphatase) and blood glucose. Clinical data were obtained at baseline (before conversion), 1 month (V1), 6 months (V6) and 12 months (V12) after conversion. Results. Both serum creatinine and GFR showed a statistically significant improvement. With GFR, signifycant improvement was observed as early as V1 and it continued to increase throughout the study period up to V12 (all between-visit changes were statistically significant). With serum creatinine, mean levels were numerically decreasing throughout the follow-up period, but a significant improvement occurred at V6 and remained significant at V12 (both vs. V0 values). Proteinuria and P/C ratio did not show any significant change through the observation period. In the majority of patients, the baseline values of AST, ALT, GGT, AlP and glucose were within normal limits and did not change significantly through the observation period. Analysis of tacrolimus C0 showed a significant decrease throughout the follow-up period, at practically all visit. This finding was paralleled by a significant tacrolimus dose decrease from baseline to V6 and V12, as well as by a significant decrease of tacrolimus dose/body weight. Conclusions. Conversion from cyclosporine or Tac-BID to extended-release Tac-QD improves graft function in renal transplant recipients, without influence on proteinuria or P/C ratio.

Lung Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract Introduction. Although the incidence of malignancy has increased after solid organ transplantation, data on lung cancer in this group of patients is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine clinical characteristics and outcome of patients who developed lung cancer after renal transplantation. Methods. Among a cohort of 1658 patients who received a transplant at our institution and were followedup between 1973 and 2014, five patients developed lung cancer. We analyzed risk factors, transplantation characteristics, treatment options and survival. Results. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 5 patients (0.3%). Time to diagnosis after the transplant procedure ranged from 26 to 156 months (mean 115 months). All of them had a smoking history. Tumors were classified as IIB (20%), IIIA (40%), and IV (40%). Histological types included adenocarcinoma (80%) and there was one case of sarcomatoid carcinoma (20%). One patient had concomitant thyroid papillary carcinoma. Radiotherapy was applied in 2 patients, 2 underwent chemotherapy (erlotinib and combination of carboplatinum and etopozide in one patient each), and 2 died within one month after the diagnosis from disseminated malignant disease. Patients with stage IIIA survived 14 and 24 months after the diagnosis. The patient with sarcomatoid cancer underwent thoracotomy with a complete resection, lost his graft function and died 7 months after the diagnosis. Conclusion. Lung cancer is relatively rare malignancy in renal transplant recipients, but associated with high mortality. Smoking is a significant risk factor, thus smoking cessation should be promoted among renal transplant recipients, as well as regular screening for lung cancer.